New To Raw Food?

New to the Raw Food Diet?
Don't know where to start?

Here's the basics:
Empty the pantry and fridge of all temptations. Too much to "throw away"? Donate or give to a friend who knows you well enough to accept the gift of partially opened and used packages.

Define your goals:
75% raw can be achieved by sticking to all raw 2 out of 3 regular meals if the third meal also includes a large salad and fresh fruit serving.

I struggled for over a year before I "got it right"... trust me, a big change from SAD (Standard American Diet) to a mostly Raw Food Diet is tough. So, first and foremost, be forgiving if you slip up and eat an old stand by, then get right back on the raw wagon...

Second, buy as much organic fresh fruits and veggies as you can, I realize some parts of the world have few choices and just getting fresh fruit and veggies can sometimes be a challenge. If you do have to buy a non-organic, scrub it and peel it, do not eat the peel...

Third, if you are going raw for health reasons, fresh squeezed juice and mostly fruit smoothies are going to heal your body quickly...

Fourth, add greens. Salads are going to become your new best friend...

Fifth, do not underestimate how much you need to eat. Three squares are an ideal of your past. I eat or drink something every two hours from 9am to 7pm, that's six meals. Some are huge, some are small, it depends on how I feel and how hungry I am. If my energy is low or I am shaky (low blood sugar) I gravitate toward a banana and fresh squeezed OJ. Keep a half gallon of fresh squeezed OJ (or your fav juice close at hand)...

Sixth, know how to deal with social situations in advance. Peruse the online menu of a restaurant you will be going to and have a plan. Contact the person hosting holiday parties or dinners and explain that because of "health reasons" you've had to adapt your diet and plan to bring your own meal and/or enough to share a large salad but that you want them to know in advance so their feelings won't be hurt when you refuse to eat the meal they've slaved over:/ ...

So, that's about it. Good luck, and I'm happy to answer questions if you have any.